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The Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic and the Australian Sprintcar Championship held at Warrnambool’s Premier Speedway provide an economic boon for Warrnambool.

Warrnambool City Council Manager Tourism Services Peter Abbott said the sheer number of spectators, participants and support crews involved in the speedway events was on par with any event in the region.

“Over the seven nights of competition about 50,000 fans go through the gates,” Mr Abbott said.

“It’s an event that helps put Warrnambool on the motor racing map.

“The events at the Premier Speedway bring international competitors and led to the establishment of sister city relationship with the city of Knoxville, Iowa in the United States, which hosts the Knoxville Nationals Sprintcar event each August.”

Premier Speedway General Manager David Mills said this year’s Classic, which starts on Friday night (January 22) had 124 entries, making it the world’s largest sprintcar event in its category.

“The benefits of the visitors to Warrnambool flow on to motels, hotels, holiday parks, restaurants and other local services,” Mr Mills said.

“A Deakin University study in 2011 confirmed that 70 per cent of spectators required at least two nights of accommodation which also has value-adds such as meals and other purchases.

“The same study estimated that Premier Speedway generated more than $3 million in economic activity for January alone".

“And since 2011 both the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic and the Australian Sprintcar Championship have both expanded from two to three nights - so teams and spectators are staying for longer.”

The speedway also employs local sporting and community groups to deliver services such the canteen, cleaning and car park marshalling

“In return for the services they provide the clubs and groups receive about $70,000 which provides them with a very useful income,” Mr Mills said